KT Corp. announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NeuroSigma Inc., establishing a strategic partnership. The South Korean telecom operator plans to strengthen its healthcare industry foothold through the NeuroSigma collaboration. Under the MOU, KT and NeuroSigma would develop and commercialize electronic therapy technologies for neurological and neuropsychological conditions. Some of the conditions the technologies would treat include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and epilepsy.
Moreover, NeuroSigma, the California-based medical solutions developer, created the Monarch eTNS System, a non-invasive external trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) device. The Monarch eTNS System is also the first-ever FDA-approved non-drug therapy device for pediatric ADHD treatment.
In addition to this achievement, NeuroSigma aims to carry out more pivotal trials and expand the Monarch eTNS System label. According to the medical solutions developer, the tests would significantly improve treatment for neurological and neuropsychiatric indications.
Enhancing the Digital Therapeutics Ecosystem
“Starting with our strategic partnership with NeuroSigma, we will actively foster and promote digital therapeutics, including electronic drugs, as the basis of new and innovative healthcare businesses,” said Kim Hyung-Wook, Head of KT’s Future Value Promotion Office.
The KT official also noted that although the digital therapy sector in South Korea is still in its infancy, KT aims to expand it. To this end, KT would cultivate the domestic digital therapeutics sector by comprehensively improving its outstanding utility and growth potentials.
Furthermore, KT would design and develop the eTNS solutions’ next-generation versions. KT would also utilize its extensive know-how and capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cloud computing aspects. Additionally, KT would optimize the next-generation products for advanced user experience, design, and functionality.
The telecom would also support advanced AI analysis and monitoring platforms through its digital healthcare ventures. What’s more, KT and NeuroSigma aim to manufacture and commercialize their jointly developed health tech innovations.
KT’s Fast-growing Healthcare Sector Presence
KT, one of the top South Korean digital service providers, had recently been expanding its digital healthcare ecosystem presence. For instance, KT partnered with KAIST to co-develop various ICT-equipped care solutions and services for local vulnerable groups in April.
In late 2020, KT also created a new unit, the Digital and Bio-Health Organization, for its Future Value Promotion Office. KT CEO Koo Hyun-Mo directly controls this division, helping KT advance its digital healthcare platform expansion.
Thanks to its digital healthcare unit, KT formed beneficial ventures with domestic academic associations, biotech firms, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and more. KT’s network also gives it an unparalleled competitive edge, especially with its new NeuroSigma collaboration.
Leon Ekchian, NeuroSigma’s CEO, commended KT’s electronic health tech expertise, saying that it coincides with NeuroSigma’s electrical and medicine convergence goal. KT also praised the eTNS System, stating that besides being highly effective, the solution provides safe alternatives to drug-based therapies.
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